How to make Hemp Milk for the health benefits of cannabis without the high

Hemp milk is the newest craze in healthy eating and even Dr. Oz called it his favorite milk alternative. But what is hemp milk and how is it made? Is it really that good for you? We’ve broken it down, so you can decide if hemp milk is right for you.

What is Hemp Milk?

Hemp milk is a milk alternative like almond or soy milk, but it’s made from hemp seeds. You can buy it in health food stores or make it yourself. It has a rich, nutty flavor, similar to almond milk, and comes either unsweetened or flavored with chocolate or vanilla.

The texture of hemp milk is similar to real milk and makes for a great latte. It’s gaining popularity in coffee culture for this reason and there are trendy cafes around the U.S. serving up rich and frothy hemp milk-based drinks. Some vegans and lactose-intolerant folks say it’s better than soy milk and is becoming a popular choice as a milk alternative.

Hemp Milk Benefits?

Hemp milk is made from hemp seeds, which you may be surprised to learn are incredibly nutritious. In fact, for this reason, hemp seeds are popping up in vitamin stores and juice bars around the country and will continue to spread their roots as hemp becomes more accepted.

Hemp seeds are one of the only foods in the world which contain all 10 amino acids, making them a dope superfood. They’re also loaded with highly digestible protein and “good” fat – meaning they contain very little saturated fat. Plus, each glass of hemp milk has about 140 calories.

What’s more, hemp milk is packed with vitamins and minerals – giving real milk a run for its money. A glass of hemp milk contains half your necessary amount of calcium for the day plus:

B and D vitamins

Potassium

Phosphorus

Zinc

Vitamins A and E

Iron

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

Magnesium

Fiber

Folic acid

Riboflavin

The vitamins and minerals make the list of hemp milk benefits pleasantly long. Because of the significant amount of calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium, it is great for strong bones and lowers your risk of osteoporosis, just like regular milk. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy brain function, so pour a glass for grandma while you’re at it.

The abundance of vitamins and minerals also strengthen the immune system and promote stable blood pressure, as well as reduce swelling and redness in the body. The noteworthy amount of vitamins A and E promote clear and healthy skin, hair and nails. Plus, there is no cholesterol but plenty of potassium, so it supports heart health too.

Is Hemp Milk Legal?

Yes. It’s legal the same way hemp-derived CBD products are legal – they’re both made from industrial hemp plants with 0.3% of THC or less.

The 2014 Farm Bill allows farmers part of state-sponsored programs to grow industrial hemp as longs as plants don’t exceed the 0.3% THC limit when measuring dry weight. The plants themselves are not biologically different than Cannabis sativa L. plants, but the legal distinction has led to the increase of hemp-based products in the U.S.

Will Hemp Milk Get You High?

No. Hemp seeds do not typically contain THC or other cannabinoids and so are non-psychoactive. Regardless of the percent of THC in the cannabis or hemp plant, the seeds are sourced from, hemp seeds rarely contain THC. Therefore, hemp milk will not get you high. The good news is that it can be consumed by anyone interested in the health benefits without fear of intoxicating effects.

How to Make Hemp Milk

Making hemp milk is really simple. Many enthusiasts swear by making their own because the flavor is richer and fresh hemp milk far surpasses the quality of the boxed stuff sold in supermarkets. Not only is it cheaper to make it at home, it’s healthier too. When you make your own, you can ensure there’s no preservatives or artificial flavors, you can make it organic and GMO-free, plus you can craft it to your taste preference.

To make hemp milk you’ll need:

100 grams (1/2 cup) of shelled hemp seeds

500 mL (2 cups) of purified water

Sugar or another sweetener to taste (optional)

Vanilla essence or cocoa powder to taste (optional)

A blender

A cheesecloth (optional)

Instructions:

Combine water, hemp seeds, and other ingredients

Blend for 1 minute or until everything is thoroughly combined

Strain through a cheesecloth* (optional)

Put in the fridge, covered. Will stay good for about 5 days

*Straining through a cheesecloth is optional. If you’re using shelled seeds, you’re probably going to want to strain it to remove chunky sediment. With shelled hemp seeds, there will be less sediment and straining will be up to your taste preference. The sediment is loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals so it is safe to consume.

Hemp milk is just the beginning! You can also make hemp yogurt with the seed’s milk. Plus, there are tons of recipes and ways to incorporate hemp seeds into your diet. Consider adding hemp seeds to your granola, salads, pesto, hummus, and more!Swee